1979 DUCATI 860 GTS/900 SS REPLICA

This 1979 Ducati 860 GTS has been converted into a superb 900SS replica, presented in excellent condition following a comprehensive restoration. It is equipped with a 900cc four-stroke engine, with rebuilt cylinder heads and an ability to run on unleaded fuel, coupled to a five-speed transmission. The odometer currently indicates 15,488 km.

First registered in June 1979, this Ducati has been with its current keeper for the last eight years. The bike has undergone a thorough rebuild and upgrade, and now features new piston rings, a full 900SS-specification frame and swingarm, a Sachs electronic ignition system, a bespoke wiring harness, adjustable Ikon rear shocks, and rebuilt front forks with progressive springs and a polished finish. The bike was exhibited at the 2017 Carole Nash MCN motorcycle show and was featured in the January 2017 issue of Classic Bike magazine, a testament to the professionalism of the restoration work carried out.

The condition of the Frost Silver and Alpine Blue paintwork has been described as excellent, and the bike was fitted with a new fuel tank and seat unit during the restoration. The exterior features a number of authentic decals and a neat pinstripe down the centre of the tank. The vendor notes that the saddle now presents with some creasing, but the condition of the trim remains very good. The ignition bulb is currently inoperative, but all other electrics are believed to be in working order, and there are no warning lights present.

The last routine maintenance took place in 2020, where the owner changed the engine oil and filter, indicating that the bike has covered only 200 miles since. The engine oil and filter has been changed twice in the last two years, while the brake fluid will be due a change in 2022. Should the bike’s next owner intend to keep it for infrequent use, the vendor would recommend leaving the battery connected to a trickle charger conditioner.

This Ducati is exempt from an annual MOT test, though the bike has been tested regularly since 2015, with the last test taking place on 13 April 2019. This resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects. It was recorded as taking place at 318 miles, as the tester erroneously read the trip meter rather than the main odometer. The tyres appear to have a good amount of tread remaining.

Accompanying the bike is a folder of corresponding invoices from restoration work and running costs throughout the vendor’s custodianship, as well as a January 2017 copy of Classic Bike magazine that features this build.

This Ducati 860 is a superb 900 SS replica, which has benefitted from a comprehensive restoration and conversion, and which presents in impressive cosmetic condition. It is also reported to be in fine fettle, and being great fun to ride. A real head-turner among bike enthusiasts wherever it goes, this is a handsome 1970s machine offered at a fraction of the cost of the real deal.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.